Healing your tattoo shouldn’t feel scary. Here are my aftercare recommendations to make your healing process as smooth and comfortable as possible:

• DAY 1 … If you are using second skin, leave it on for 2-3 days before removing it carefully in the shower using lukewarm water. To remove it, you’ll carefully and slowly pull at the edges of the second skin. Allow the running water to run into the area, as it will help you to break the adhesive bond without irritating the skin. It can take time to remove second skin correctly, so don’t do it in a rush, or you may risk damaging your tattoo. If the second skin leaks or you experience any irritation around or underneath it, remove it early and begin your aftercare process normally. If you are using seran wrap, leave your wrap on for at least 2-4 hours before removing. I generally recommend my clients to sleep with the wrap on and remove it the morning after their appointment if possible.

• CLEANING … Rinse your tattoo in the sink or shower with running lukewarm water, and wash it with an unscented tattoo-friendly soap like Dial Gold. You don’t need to scrub - just gently massage the soap over the tattoo, and rinse. I recommend washing your tattoo 2x a day, in the morning and evening, throughout the healing process. Don’t wash excessively, but if the tattoo is dirtied, clean it ASAP. After washing, pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub on the tattoo, or use cloth towels.

• MOISTURIZING … Once dry, apply a very thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo. I recommend Lubriderm unscented water-based lotion. I explicitly DO NOT recommend Vaseline or Aquaphor. Be mindful not to over-saturate the area, but also not to let it get too dry.

• DON’T DO’S … Don’t pick or scratch at your tattoo. Don’t swim or soak it in water while it’s healing. Don’t work out excessively/sweat all over it. Don’t wear super tight or coarse fabrics over the tattoo during the healing process (no hard denim jeans, please!).

• PROTECTING YOUR TATTOO … Don’t expose your healing tattoo to sunlight (sun blisters are no joke), and once healed it is critical to wear at least SPF 50 sunscreen on your tattoo to maximize its longevity. No amount of artistic technique will save you if you blitz your ink in the sun all the time.

• IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS … Please reach out to me! I can be contacted via email or Instagram DM at any time regarding concerns or questions you may have during your healing process. Please include a photo of your healing tattoo along with your question! A description WILL NOT be good enough, I need to see it, and I will not be able to answer any questions without a photo.